Sheffield College Nursery Graded 'Outstanding'

Inspectors have given a Sheffield College nursery top marks, according to a new report.

Pictured: Staff and children at The Sheffield College’s Hillsborough campus nursery celebrate an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted grade.

Inspectors have given a Sheffield College nursery top marks, according to a new report.

The children’s nursery at The Sheffield College’s Hillsborough campus, Livesey Street, has just been graded ‘Outstanding’ by the education watchdog Ofsted.

The nursery, which has 53 places, looks after the children of staff, students and parents within the local and wider community. Inspectors have given staff a glowing report praising them for being highly skilled, well qualified and very experienced. The quality of teaching is rated as excellent.

Babies and children settle in quickly and develop high levels of confidence, say inspectors. This provides children with an excellent foundation for their future learning, according to the report published on November 17th.

Jason Pepper, Executive Director of Finance and Resources, The Sheffield College, said: “We are thrilled to receive such a glowing report from Ofsted about our outstanding nursery, which plays an important role looking after the children of students, staff and members of the wider community. I am very proud of our staff and would like to congratulate them on their success.”

Harry Harpham, Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough MP, added: “It is really great news to hear that the nursery at Hillsborough campus has been graded as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. It’s important to encourage lifelong learning and, for parents wanting to learn, childcare shouldn’t be a barrier. This announcement should leave them feeling confident that their children are receiving ‘outstanding’ care while they are able to gain new skills.”

To read the report in full, visit the Ofsted website here. The key findings show that:

The quality of teaching throughout the nursery is excellent. Children develop a wide range of skills and are extremely well prepared for starting school.

Staff are well qualified and very experienced. They demonstrate an excellent knowledge and understanding of how children learn.

Partnerships with parents are exemplary. Staff establish excellent working relationships with outside agencies to ensure children get the support they need.

Staff use excellent strategies to promote positive behaviour. Children develop respect for others. They are kind to one another and form firm friendships.

Children and babies quickly settle in to the nursery and develop high levels of confidence, providing them with an excellent foundation for their future learning.

The outdoor area provides children with a wealth of learning experiences.

The Sheffield College has two children’s nurseries with the other one being based at City campus, Granville Road. Click here to find out more.

Both nurseries open all year round, including during term time. They cater for children aged six months to five years old, and offer holiday care for children aged up to seven.

At Hillsborough campus, the nursery has undergone a £50,000 revamp this year thanks to funding from The Sheffield College and a £32,600 grant from Sheffield City Council.

As a result, nursery places have increased from 40 to 53 and a new baby room has been built. The nursery has expanded its places for two-year-olds, so they can benefit from the 15 hours a week of free learning they are entitled to.

Both nurseries are equipped with the latest facilities. Their innovative design features an outside play area with a protective canopy that enables children to safely play and learn outdoors in all types of weather.

The Sheffield College – which is Ofsted graded ‘Good’ - provides academic, vocational and professional courses up to degree level to 20,000 young people and adults a year. Qualifications include apprenticeships, vocational diplomas, A Levels, access courses and foundation degrees.